The absence of a bridge crossing the Brahmaputra River to connect Assam and Meghalaya has been one of the region’s biggest problems. However, this problem will be solved with the construction of the Dhubri Phulbari Bridge.
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Dhubri Phulbari Bridge: Location
The Brahmaputra River, one of the biggest rivers in the world, is crossed by the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge. The bridge will link Phulbari in Meghalaya and Dhubri in Assam. The bridge will be 12.2 metre in width and about 19 kilometre (km) long. The bridge will support big vehicles and have four lanes.
Dhubri Phulbari Bridge: Construction of the bridge
Beginning in 2011, work on the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge is anticipated to be finished by 2024. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) is building the bridge. A rough estimate of the project’s cost is Rs 4,997 crore. The bridge is being built using the most recent technology, and it will be able to withstand the Brahmaputra River’s tremendous water flow.
Dhubri Phulbari Bridge: Importance
Improved connectivity
The Dhubri Phulbari Bridge will greatly improve Assam and Meghalaya’s connectivity. Currently, it takes up to 2.5 hours to travel by ferry from Dhubri to Phulbari. The bridge, which has a total length of 19 km, will cut the required road travel distance from 205 km to just 19 km. This will speed up connectivity to other towns in western and central Meghalaya while also cutting down on travel time. This bridge will also be a component of National Highway 127B, which would link Tura, Nongstoin, and other Meghalayan cities to Dhubri. This will increase access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
Economic development
Due to a lack of infrastructure, particularly in terms of connectivity, the region is falling behind in terms of economic growth. By lowering the cost of transportation, the bridge will increase the accessibility and affordability of goods and services for the residents. Additionally, this will increase investments in the area and generate new job opportunities. The bridge will make it simpler to reach the region’s international borders, boosting trade and commerce and allowing all of the northeastern states – especially Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and the Barak Valley—to grow more quickly.
Tourism
Due to its natural beauty and cultural richness, the northeast is a popular travel destination. However, the region’s potential for tourism has been significantly hindered by the lack of connectivity. Travel time will be cut down, and it will be easier for tourists to visit the area through the Dhubri Phulbari Bridge.
Dhubri Phulbari Bridge: Challenges faced during the construction
The Brahmaputra River’s high water flow was one of the biggest problems encountered during bridge construction. It was challenging to construct the bridge so that it could resist the river’s strong current.
FAQs
What is the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge?
The Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge is a proposed four-lane bridge that will span across the Brahmaputra river, connecting Dhubri in Assam with Phulbari in Meghalaya.
How will the construction of the bridge impact the local economy?
The construction of the bridge is expected to create job opportunities for locals and boost economic growth in the region. It will also improve connectivity for farmers and traders, allowing them to transport their goods more efficiently.
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